Edmonton Eskimos vs. B.C. Lions Week 4 game balls

Lions edge Esks

Well the weather was certainly not a factor in the second consecutive tilt between the B.C. Lions and the Edmonton Eskimos. It was a beautiful day in Vancouver as Mike Reilly and the Eskies rolled into town to try their hands again versus the Lions. The Leos had wiped Edmonton a week prior 17-3 and continued their hot streak Saturday at B.C. Place.

The Lions came out swinging en route to a 31-21 victory. They were physical on both sides of the ball and contained Hugh Charles for the second straight game on defense, which is always a challenge and key to stopping the Eskimos’ attack.

The Lions’ offense looked great and right on track for the season, spreading the ball out to five different rushers and six different receivers. None more impressive than Andrew Harris, who had yet another monster game.

This was his best of the year so far as Edmonton just couldn’t keep him out of the end zone. The score made it look closer than it was as B.C. was in control virtually the entire game.

With the win the Lions keep pace with Calgary in a tie for second place in the West Division behind only the red hot Roughriders who sit pretty at 4-0. Here’s a look at the best offensive, defensive and special teams performers from B.C.’s win.

Offensive game ball – Andrew Harris

Harris was a beast against the Eskimos (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)

If you saw the game or the highlights, then you agree that this choice is a no-brainer. Andrew Harris single handedly sunk the Eskimos’ ship Saturday night. He went off for three rushing touchdowns en route to the victory. Harris once again showed his versatility by racking up 133 total yards and the three majors. He averaged a very impressive 6.1 yards per carry, making the most out of each of his touches. And this all came while B.C. shared the ball to four other ball carriers.

Not too many running backs out there can hit the century mark when they’re sharing touches with so many other talented players, not to mention cross the goal line three times. This was another masterful performance by the Canadian running back who is soaking up notoriety nation wide.

Defensive game ball – Dante Marsh

Dante Marsh is a ten year vet of the B.C. Lions, but you wouldn’t know his age by watching him fly around the field like a 22 year old. Marsh has been a staple on the B.C. defense and a leader on the team throughout the past decade, and is a big reason why the Lions have seen such success in those 10 years.

Known for both his lockdown coverage skills and his physicality when making tackles, Marsh took sight on all things green and yellow on Saturday night, amassing eight tackles, which as you know is very high for a cornerback. If the old saying “defense wins championships” holds true, then Marsh and the Lions are on good pace this season.

Special teams game ball – Paul McCallum

Well the old wiley veteran kicker was back in form on Saturday. After relenquishing most duties this season so far to youngster Hugh O’Neill, Paul McCallum went 1/1 and 4/4 on field goals and extra points, respectively. He also managed the punting duties and averaged 42 yards per kick. It wasn’t a demanding game per say, but was sure nice to see old number four out there making kicks. The fans definitely cheered a little louder when they heard his name after the made field goal.

Looks like this guy is never going to retire.

Well all-in-all this was a solid team win for the Lions. If anyone was curious how the Travis Lulay versus Mike Reilly battle would go down, we now can see who is the better QB and the better team as Lulay’s Lions are 2-0 against former teammate Reilly and the Esks. But maybe it’s time to start calling them Harris’ Lions? I personally don’t care what we call them, as long as they keep winning.